My Journey with JICA's Training Program
2023.10.24
I am AKENA Godfrey, a District Community Development Officer, Nwoya District Local Government in Northern Uganda.
I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Knowledge Co-creation Program (KCCP) on Capacity Building of Local Governments for Development with Community Participation, organized in Japan by JICA Sapporo-Hokkaido. This program focused on learning from Japan, particularly Hokkaido, about formulating, implementing, monitoring, and getting feedback on regional development plans with active community involvement.
Representing Uganda as the District Community Development Officer of Nwoya District, I joined participants from 13 countries with various backgrounds in a one-of-a-kind training, which fostered all working together to harness local resources for sustainable development. The training enhanced my skills in planning and implementing community development projects. Japan's unique model empowers local communities to lead in using their resources for development, which can revitalize local initiatives.
My interactions with government officials, nonprofits, private companies, and local communities in Japan taught me several vital lessons.
- 1 . Local resources can drive local development, promoting self-reliance. Identifying local communities with unique skills and talents enhances local economies. Community development is, ultimately, human resource development, fostering competitiveness and diversity.
- 2 . Local organizations can lead communities to address their issues by building relationships, understanding their needs, and facilitating actions. This has ripple effects on government institutions, NGOs, and local communities. "What's essential for communities is not sharing problems but dreams."
- 3 . Local and community-based tourism showcases culture and heritage, boosting community pride and identity.
- 4 . Building supportive networks of peers and mentors empowers local communities by providing resources and a favorable business environment. It's not just about economic impact but also social responsibility, community involvement, and business diversity.
My gratitude to JICA Uganda and people in Japan for providing me with knowledge, skills, and experience. I'm hopeful that with my knowledge acquired, I will bring positive change to the communities I serve.
Sns share!
scroll